FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK, NY — The National Organization for Women – New York City (NOW-NYC) commends Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch for launching the Domestic Violence Unit (DVU)—a new, dedicated NYPD division that will assign 450 specially trained officers to investigate domestic violence cases, support survivors, and prevent future abuse.

The DVU represents the largest unit of its kind in the nation. and one of the most significant gender-based violence initiatives undertaken by New York City in three decades. Officers will receive specialized, trauma-informed training provided by domestic violence organizations to enhance how domestic violence crime victims experience law enforcement engagement throughout the investigative process.

The NYPD reports that nearly 40% of felony assaults in New York City are linked to domestic violence. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, incidents have risen across the country, disproportionately impacting women of color, who are 2.4 times more likely to experience domestic abuse. The new DVU aims to address this crisis by streamlining investigations, reducing retraumatization of victims, and ensuring that offenders are held accountable.

“By consolidating domestic violence investigations within a single, specialized unit, New York City is leading the nation in rethinking how we protect women and families,” said Jayne Bigelsen, NOW-NYC’s Chief Policy Officer. “We look forward to working closely with city leaders, law enforcement, and community advocates to ensure this initiative delivers real change and lasting safety for survivors.”

National Organization for Women – New York City and it’s coalition partners meets with NYPD on a quarterly basis to share information, review data and strategize on law enforcement response to gender-based violence.

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